Arthur Akhtyamov and the Marlies youth are finally taking over for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Three Toronto Maple Leafs youngsters are being recalled from the Toronto Marlies after triple injury woes in Wednesday's game against the Washington Capitals.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are forced to shore up following three injuries suffered against the Washington Capitals in Toronto's 4-0 loss on Wednesday.
The Leafs have called up goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, forward Luke Haymes, & William Villeneuve from the AHL Toronto Marlies.
All three moves come as injury relief after goaltender Anthony Stolarz was injured early in the first period against Washington.
Haymes and Villeneuve, who were with the Leafs earlier in the week before being re-assigned to the AHL, are called back up following injuries to Dakota Joshua and Brandon Carlo.
The three youngsters are all expected to play Thursday against the New York Islanders, Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed after Wednesday's game.
Artur Akhtyamov will make his first NHL start after a brutal injury to Anthony Stolarz
Artur Akhtyamov expected to start as Joseph Woll, the likely Thursday starter, came in relief of Stolarz the day earlier against Washington.
Akhtyamov, 24, has appeared in 36 games this season in the AHL, with a 20-12-4 record. Akhtyamov has appeared in a single NHL game, appearing in relief for fellow rookie Dennis Hildeby.
Hildeby played the Marlies game Wednesday against the Utica Comets, likely contributing to Akhtyamov being the one called up instead of Hildeby, the more NHL experienced of the two.
Stolarz, who left with a leg injury, could be shut down for the remaining four games of the Leafs season, but what isn't clear is if Woll will take the rest of the stretch, or if Akhtyamov will split time, or if even Hildeby and Akhtyamov swap places after Friday.
Haymes & Villeneuve projected to get first NHL games vs Islanders
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to give Luke Haymes and William Villeneuve their first NHL appearances, the two having been healthy scratches despite being called up last week.
Both are expected to play with Joshua and Carlo out, Berube confirmed. Both did not return in the third period, Joshua ruled out with an upper-body injury and Carlo with an injury to the lower-body.
Haymes and Villeneuve playing would be the NHL debut for both players, Haymes in his first full AHL season, and Villeneuve in his fourth.
While Haymes is expected to play, Villeneuve may not appear against the Islanders, with Troy Stecher currently playing as the extra skater.
No update has been given on the status of all three players, but it could be possible that all are shut down with only four games remaining in a season already gone.
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